South Ribble pubs get shout out in parliament

A number of South Ribble pubs have been name-checked in parliament.

The Wheatsheaf in Croston, The Black Bull Inn and the Fleece Inn in Penwortham, and The Golden Ball in Longton were all mentioned by the area’s MP, Katherine Fletcher, while addressing treasury minister Victoria Atkins.

Katherine said: “After a busy summer knocking around South Ribble and speaking to people, I have often popped in for a pint, including in Croston’s famous Wheatsheaf pub.

“From housing MP surgeries – as many pubs do – to being our community living rooms, pubs are absolutely vital.

“I have spoken to landlords, including those at the Black Bull and the fabulous Fleece Inn in Penwortham… They need our support, so may I invite the minister to South Ribble – I will even offer to buy her a pint – to speak to Chris, the landlord at Longton’s fabulous Golden Ball, to hear about his business?”

In reply Victoria Atkins said it would be “a delight to return to South Ribble”.

Speaking afterwards Katherine said: “I will be making sure the minister is in South Ribble soon for a pint and a chat.

“Our pubs are the lifeblood of our communities and they have had a hard time over the last few years with the pandemic and cost-of-living pressures.

“I do my best to support them by holding surgeries and speaking with landlords regularly but having a minister here up from London to meet and listen to a South Ribble landlord would be a boost.”